VISHENSAR KISHENSAR LAKES TREK

• Altitude: 2730 m to 3505 m
• Time Taken: 6 to 7 Hours
• Distance Covered: 10 Km
• Campsite: Nichnai

On this day, you will begin carrying your backpack as we start the ascent towards the next campsite. Our standard routine begins with an early wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. Starting early ensures we avoid the heat of midday, reach the campsite with ample time to rest, and allow for better acclimatization. After breakfast, your trek leader will provide a brief orientation before we embark on the day's journey.

Before setting off, a packed lunch will be provided at Shutkadi. The trek begins with a steady ascent, and shortly after, we will pass by a military post where we are required to stop for a routine check. Please ensure your Aadhar card or passport is kept securely in your daypack. The process usually takes about an hour.

As we continue the climb, our first stop will be Tabletop, a breathtaking plateau surrounded by dense jungle and offering panoramic views of the Thajwas Mountain Range. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular vistas of the entire Sonamarg region and its prominent peaks, including Lesser Thajwas, Greater Thajwas, Umbrella, Kazim Pahlin Baal, Innominate, Vale Head, Mosquito, Cathedral, and, of course, the iconic Amarnath Peak. In addition, you’ll also catch sight of Zabnar Meadow, a beautiful, expansive landscape that adds to the grandeur of the surroundings.

Following Tabletop, we will enter Shokdari, a serene birch forest that provides welcome shade and relief from the sun. During autumn, the forest transforms into a golden wonderland, making this stretch even more enchanting. The trail then opens up into a wide, scenic valley, offering views that become increasingly spectacular as we move forward.

Our trek continues towards Nichnai, where we will follow the Nichnai Nalla, a river that flows down the valley. The landscape soon opens up to reveal towering mountains, and we will encounter a small stream crossing. Our experienced guides will assist in safely navigating the waters.

As we progress, the scenery becomes even more awe-inspiring, with the trail winding through rocky patches and forests of maple, birch, and pine. For those who are less experienced, our expert guides will be on hand to assist with crossing streams and ensuring a safe journey through the rugged terrain. The trek takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, covering a distance of 10 km.

Upon reaching the campsite, you can settle in and enjoy evening tea with snacks. Later, a warm soup will be served, followed by a delicious dinner with a sweet dish to round off the day. The nights in the mountains are typically starry, provided the weather is clear. If the skies are free of clouds, this will be the perfect time to enjoy some star-gazing and take in the celestial beauty above.

• Altitude: 3505 m to 3650m via Nichnai Pass 4100m
• Time Taken: 6 Hours
• Distance Covered: 13 Km
• Campsite: Vishensar

The day begins similarly to the previous one, with a wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. As always, starting early will allow us to avoid the heat of the midday sun, reach the next campsite in good time, and have enough space for proper rest and acclimatization. After breakfast, your trek leader will provide a brief briefing before we embark on the day's journey.

Before setting off, a packed lunch will be provided to keep you energized as we embark on today’s trek.

Today’s adventure involves crossing the Nichnai Pass (4100m), the first major pass of the trek. This pass, which remains snow-covered until mid-July, is an exciting and beautiful challenge. The pass connects Nichnai Valley with Vishensar Valley and offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The journey towards the pass offers a breathtaking experience, passing through lush expansive meadows, vibrant wildflower fields, and serene alpine landscapes. As we ascend, you’ll be surrounded by a stunning variety of flowers that blanket the valleys, adding splashes of color to the otherwise green and snowy vistas. The long walk to the pass is both rewarding and challenging, with every step bringing us closer to the top.

Once we reach the Nichnai Pass, you’ll be greeted with magnificent views of the Vishensar Valley, which unfolds below in all its beauty. After crossing the Nichnai Pass, we will make our way down into the Vishensar Valley, which is known for its stunning natural beauty. The Vishensar Campsite is situated on the banks of a river that originates from the Vishensar and Kishensar Lakes. These pristine lakes are home to abundant brown and rainbow trout, making the river and surrounding waters a haven for fishing enthusiasts. The river flows down, eventually forming the Raman Nallah, which drains into Gurez and is a main tributary of the Khishenganga River, also known as the Neelum River in Pakistan.

The landscape here is simply breathtaking, with the surrounding mountains providing a majestic backdrop to the campsite. The area is known for its peaceful, untouched beauty, offering an ideal spot for relaxation after a day of trekking.

As we trek through the valley, we will also encounter several sheep herds, as these mountains serve as summer grazing grounds for the local shepherds. The sight of the herds grazing peacefully in the lush meadows adds to the charm of this beautiful valley. The trek takes approximately 6 hours, covering a distance of 13 km.

Once we arrive at the campsite and settle in, we will be treated to evening tea with snacks, followed by a warm and comforting soup. Later, we will enjoy a hearty dinner, accompanied by a sweet dish to end the day on a delicious note.

• Altitude: 3650m to 3700m to 3505 m via Nichnai Pass 4100m
• Time Taken: 6 Hours
• Distance Covered: 15 Km
• Campsite: Nichnai

The day begins similarly to the previous one, with a wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. As always, starting early will allow us to avoid the heat of the midday sun, reach the next campsite in good time, and have enough space for proper rest and acclimatization. After breakfast, your trek leader will provide a brief briefing before we embark on the day's journey.

Before setting off, a packed lunch will be provided to keep you energized as we embark on today’s trek. Today's trek covers a distance of 15 km and will take roughly 8 hours. We begin by trekking from Vishensar Lake to Kishensar Lake, which is situated just 2 km away. Upon reaching Kishensar Lake, we take the time to explore its breathtaking beauty. The lakes, with their surreal charm, are surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, creating a stunning contrast of nature's power and serenity. The crystal-clear, blue waters of Kishensar are mesmerizing, and you can spot the shimmering trout fish swimming beneath the surface. The atmosphere around the lakes is incredibly peaceful, with the stillness of the water reflecting the sky and the rugged mountains. It’s a moment of true tranquility, where nature feels untouched and pure.

After soaking in the lake's beauty, we begin our journey back to Nichnai via Vishensar Valley and Nichnai Pass. The descent from Nichnai Pass to the Nichnai campsite is scenic, and we take a well-deserved break for lunch en route, which rejuvenates us for the remaining trek. Upon reaching camp, we enjoy a delightful evening tea with snacks, resting and unwinding. As the evening settles in, we savor a warm soup dinner followed by a sweet dish. The night is spent in relaxation, enjoying the mesmerizing star-lit sky and the silhouettes of the mountains. It's the perfect end to a day full of stunning views and memorable experiences.

• Altitude: 3505 m to 2730 m via Table Top
• Time Taken: 6 Hours
• Distance Covered: 10 Km , Drive Distance: 2 to 3 Hours ( 80 KM Drive )

On this day, you will begin carrying your backpack as we start the ascent towards the next campsite. Our standard routine begins with an early wake-up call at 6 am, followed by breakfast at 7 am, and departure from the campsite by 8 am. Starting early ensures we avoid the heat of midday, reach the campsite with ample time to rest, and allow for better acclimatization. After breakfast, your trek leader will provide a brief orientation before we embark on the day's journey.

Before setting off, a packed lunch will be provided at Shutkadi. Today’s trek takes us over 10 kilometers, a journey that will take about 6 hours. From Nichnai, we make our way towards Shutkari Sonamarg, a gentle descent that offers us the chance to take in the serene beauty of the mountains around us. As this trek draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible experiences we've had. Each step today feels like we’re not just descending through the landscape, but through time itself, as we carry these memories of majestic peaks, clear skies, and tranquil valleys with us forever. We retreat back via the familiar route of Table Top, revisiting the stunning views of Thajwas Valley and Sonamarg from above. With each glance back, we realize how lucky we've been to experience such untouched beauty. Finally, we reach Sonamarg and from there, embark on a scenic 80 km drive to Srinagar, a journey that will take us 2 to 3 hours, bringing an end to our trek but leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.